Breathtaking beaches, surreal sunsets, majestic volcanoes, lush tropical forests, and world-class surfing! You don’t need any other reason to start packing for a Hawaiian trip A corner of paradise and the perfect destination to escape the daily rhythm and set your watch just by following the journey of the sun, Hawaii dazzles and enchants from the first glance. The Hawaiian archipelago covers an area of over 1,500 miles and has hundreds of islands but only eight of them are the core of Hawaiian life.
Oahu – the heart of Hawaii
Oahu is the most popular island of the archipelago and home to Honolulu, the state’s capital. A vibrant island, Oahu invites travelers to relax on its white sand beaches, surf, and have fun. No trip to Hawaii is complete without savoring a mai tai on Waikiki Beach, a beautiful crescent-shaped stretch of white sand. Add to your itinerary relaxing sessions on the superb Kailua and Lanikai beaches too, especially since the last one is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The north shore of Oahu is blessed with the largest waves in the world, a real magnet for surfers from all over the world that gather at Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and Ehukai Beach to feed their appetite for fabulous swells. The north shore is a magnificent spot to watch the humpback whales having fun in winter while a stroll on the Laniakea Beach offers the chance to see lovely sea turtles.
The southern shore unveils the cosmopolitan facet of Hawaii. This is the cultural center of the island and the place where you’ll discover fascinating museums, such as the Bishop Museum that tells stories about the Polynesian life, the Iolani Palace, the former residence of Hawaiian royalty, and the Aloha Tower lighthouse.
Maui – photogenic beaches and sensational scenery
If you’re planning to spend your holiday on a different fabulous ribbon of powdery white beach every day and visit the insides of a dormant volcano, Maui is the island for you. Hawaii’s second largest island, Maui is a splendor of dramatic scenery and infinite pearlescent white sand beaches. If you’re up for a bicycle ride head to Mt. Haleakala to admire the largest dormant volcano in the world that reaches an altitude of 10.023 feet and is renowned as an idyllic setting for unforgettable sunrise views.
Maui surprises travelers with its splendid topography bringing together in one memorable painting spectacular ridges and pinnacles, lush rainforests, and impressive wildlife. Drive the 55-mile road to Hana for a chance to discover and really appreciate Maui’s diverse scenery. The road will take you along bamboo forests and over bridges (about 54), through tropical rainforests and face to face with rugged cliffs and superb Hawaiian flowers.
Water sports aficionados will just love to snorkel or dive around Maui. The most popular place is Molokini, a submerged volcano, home to exotic fish and a great place for humpback whale watching. Surfing and windsurfing are also an option while if you prefer land-related activities, you can choose golfing or just relaxing on one of the fabulous beaches of the island, such as the black sand beaches at Wai’anapanapa State Park or the Makena Beach.
Kauai – the oldest and lushest Hawaiian island
Kauai is the oldest and northernmost Hawaiian island, also known as the Garden Isle due to its abundance of tropical flora. More peaceful than Oahu and Maui, Kauai is a paradise for both beach lovers and adventure seekers. Home to the Na Pali State Park, Kauai invites hikers to follow the Kalalau Trail to get to the surreal Hanakapi’ai Valley but not without testing their fitness level first with narrow paths and plenty of elevation changes. Waimea Canyon is another great hiking destination, less strenuous than the Kalalau Trail but as impressive.
Take to the waters of Kauai and be open to trying a variety of activities. From kayaking down the Waimea River or Hanalei River and snorkeling along the Na Pali Coast to paddling up the Wailua River to the Secret Fall, water sports fans will have no reason to complain during a trip to Kauai.
Hanalei Beach is the most popular beach on the island due to its superb landscape framed by magnificent mountains and the Hanalei River, incredibly fine sand and relaxing ambiance. Kee Beach is as extraordinary as Hanalei Beach and as famous, especially since this was the location for many Hollywood movies, such as Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. Want to hide away from it all on a secret beach? Choose Kaupea Beach, a white sand ribbon of sand situated near the Kilauea Lighthouse.
More places
